The city offered its support of the adoption of an interstate rehabilitation program expected to provide for repairs to Interstate 40 in and outside of Russellville.

Aldermen voted unanimously in favor of offering the city’s support to the program, which will be funded through federally funded bonds and a four-cent statewide diesel tax.

Mayor Bill Eaton said he was told if the city passed the resolution in support of the rehabilitation program, the Russellville area of I-40 would be one of the first places in the state to be repaired.

Alderman Garland Steuber said the interstate badly needed the repairs.

“It’s the only section of I-40 from Oklahoma to Memphis that has never been repaired one time,” he said.

Eaton agreed, and said the interstate was in a “sad state.”

“Well it ought to be, because it’s never been repaired,” Steuber replied.

The Arkansas Valley Alliance for Economic Development has also issued its support of the interstate rehabilitation program, which will be implemented if passed by a statewide vote on Nov. 8. The special election will allow voters to authorize the Arkansas Highway Commission to issue bonds rehabilitating 300 miles of interstates in Arkansas.

“The bond issue will not require any new or increased taxes, and will be repaid by future federal funds and the existing four-cent state diesel tax passed in 1999 for this purpose,” a press release issued by the city of Russellville on Friday stated.

Eaton issued a statement in support of the measure.

“Our interstate system is the pillar of our state’s economy and we owe it to Arkansans to have safe, well-maintained interstates,” he said. “Not only that, but we can put over 25,000 (people) to work revitalizing these roads. I hope people see the importance of this issue and vote ‘Yes’ on Nov. 8.”

Although repairs and maintenance to I-40 are handled by the federal and state highway authorities, the city also has big plans for its city streets in 2012. Look for more information about planned Public Works projects in Sunday’s edition of The Courier.